Explore on your own rating

The terminal is in town, but the State Department rates Trinidad and Tobago Level 3 (Reconsider travel): use the ship's tours or a reputable licensed operator.

Where ships dock

  • Scarborough Cruise Ship Terminal on Carrington Street (one ship alongside; a second ship anchors and tenders)

Getting to town

You walk out of the small terminal straight onto Carrington Street in Scarborough. The market is about 250 m away and the Botanical Gardens about 10 minutes on foot. Fort King George is about 1.8 km up a steep hill: take a taxi.

Licensed taxis have number plates starting with "H". They aren't metered, so agree the total fare (and whether it's per car or per person, and in TT or US dollars) before you set off. Pigeon Point and Store Bay are about 20 to 25 minutes west; Argyle Waterfall is about 40 minutes east.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD). Some businesses don't take cards, especially outside town: carry cash.

Entry: U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date (U.S. State Department, checked Oct 2026).

Top sights nearby

  • Fort King George and the Tobago Museum
  • Scarborough Botanical Gardens
  • Scarborough market
  • Argyle Waterfall (tour)
  • Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool (glass-bottom boat)
  • Main Ridge Forest Reserve (tour)

Beaches

  • Pigeon Point Heritage Park (entry fee)
  • Store Bay

Safety & tips

  • U.S. State Department warning: Trinidad and Tobago is rated Level 3, Reconsider travel, due to crime, health and terrorism (advisory issued Apr 13, 2026), and a nationwide state of emergency was declared in March 2026. The advisory notes crime is lower in Tobago than in Trinidad. Read it before you go ashore.
  • Don't display jewelry or cash, stay alert at ATMs, and avoid remote or poorly lit areas.
  • Only use H-plate taxis, and swim only at marked, patrolled beaches.
  • Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

The terminal is in town, so it's a short walk back from Scarborough. From the west-end beaches allow 30 minutes or more by taxi, and be back at least 45 minutes before all-aboard.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in Tobago (Scarborough)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find Tobago (Scarborough) shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore Tobago (Scarborough) on your own?

A tour is the easier choice. The terminal is in town, but the State Department rates Trinidad and Tobago Level 3 (Reconsider travel): use the ship's tours or a reputable licensed operator.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Tobago (Scarborough)?

You walk out of the small terminal straight onto Carrington Street in Scarborough. The market is about 250 m away and the Botanical Gardens about 10 minutes on foot. Fort King George is about 1.8 km up a steep hill: take a taxi.

Do I need a passport for Tobago (Scarborough)?

U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date (U.S. State Department, checked Oct 2026).

When should I head back to the ship in Tobago (Scarborough)?

The terminal is in town, so it's a short walk back from Scarborough. From the west-end beaches allow 30 minutes or more by taxi, and be back at least 45 minutes before all-aboard.

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📚 Sources